Guest guest Posted November 23, 2005 Report Share Posted November 23, 2005 Hi All, See: Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2005 Nov;11(4):224-31. Novel approaches to radiotherapy-induced skin reactions: A literature review. Maddocks-Jennings W, M Wilkinson J, Shillington D. Universal College of Learning (UCOL), Faculty of Health Sciences, Private Bag 11022, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Patients undergoing radiotherapy treatment will receive some degree of skin damage. Internationally there are many preventative and treatment options recommended, with varying degrees of evidence of success. This review explores the possible benefits of various plant-based treatments within the context of other novel treatments. The evidence suggests that using a hydrophilic substance such as Aloe vera gel or vegetable oil that is high in essential fatty acids, is as effective as mild steroid creams such as 1% hydrocortisone in reducing the severity of reactions. Additionally with plant-based treatments there does not appear to be side effects such as may occur with steroids. There remains great scope for further studies either replicating some of these current studies or exploring other options such as the use of essential oils or other herbal extracts. PMID: 16290892 [PubMed - in process] Pac Health Dialog. 2004 Sep;11(2):211-5. The poisoning of 'awa: the non-traditional use of an ancient remedy. O'Sullivan HM, Lum K. In the traditional practice of Native Hawaiians, 'awa (Piper methysticum KAVA- KAVA-Phil) has long been revered as a medicine, a sacred plant central to religious ceremony, and a social drink. In the late 1990s, 'awa attracted global attention as an herbal alternative to existing pharmaceuticals for reducing stress, anxiety, pain and assorted ailments. Marketed since 1994 as a dietary supplement, within seven years 'awa had earned the title of a " superstar " and quickly became one of the top eight herbal remedies in an expanding $18 billion-plus herbal remedy industry. In one study, the plant was even argued to possess chemopreventive properties, when cancer incidence and kava consumption in Pacific island communities were correlated. In 2002, however, the remedy was banned in several European countries, after case reports of liver toxicity allegedly associated with its nontraditional use surfaced. In the United States (US), the Food and Drug Administration issued a consumer advisory leading several retailers to voluntarily withdraw products containing 'awa from their shelves. These actions have sent shock waves throughout Pacific Island communities seeking to derive economic benefit from a relatively new and little- regulated industry. Moreover, they threaten the vitality of centuries of Native Hawaiian cultural practice. Clinical studies advocating both sides of the safety debate have been published, as producers, marketers and users attempt to influence government action. At the same time, issues of cultural exploitation, religious freedom, traditional practice, and native intellectual property rights are absent from the debate, leaving the future of native practice hanging in the balance. Whether or not the herb's status is restored, the situation raises critical questions: Is 'awa toxic? Or, does the poison derive from its use outside of traditional practice? PMID: 16281702 [PubMed - in process] Hindustan Antibiot Bull. 2003 Feb-2004 Nov;45-46(1-4):34-40. Healing-promoting action of rhinax with dual action on chronic gastric and duodenal ulcers induced by acetic acid in rats. Dhuley JN. Pharmacology & Toxicology section, Research & Development Division, Hindustan Antibiotics Limited, Pimpri, Pune 411 018, India. Healing promoting actions of Rhinax, a multiconstituent herbal preparation, was investigated in chronic gastric and duodenal ulcer models induced by acetic acid in rats and the effects were compared with those of famotidine by gross of histological evaluation. Rhinax markedly promoted the well balanced healing of gastric ulcer at oral does of 25- 100 mg/kg x 2 /day, as evidenced by the reduction of ulcer, regeneration of mucosa and proliferation of connecitve tissue. Rhinax caused an increase in gastric mucosa secretion in all the regenerated mucosa around the gastric ulcers. Famotidine failed to promote the healing of gastric ulcers at 100 mg/kg x 2/ day p.o. Rhinax also significantly accelerated the healing of acetic acid -induced duodenal ulcers as well famotidine. These results indicate that Rhinax is characterised by a potent promoting action on the healing of chronic ulcers, suggesting that the increase in gastric mucus secretion might be associated with the antiulcer action of Rhinax in rats. PMID: 16281827 [PubMed - in process] Health Phys. 2005 Dec;89(6):679-83. Uranium concentrations in South African herbal remedies. Steenkamp V, Stewart MJ, Chimuka L, Cukrowska E. Department of Pharmacology, University of Pretoria, Faculty of Health Sciences, PO Box 2034, Pretoria 0001, South Africa. vsteen South Africa contains some of the world's largest mineral deposits, which include uranium. Uranium is mined as a by-product of gold production. The uranium content of the surface soil and groundwater in South Africa has been measured and shows marked variation, depending on location. Herbal remedies are collected by traditional healers from many sites, some of which may be contaminated. 30 herbal remedies were analyzed using a sensitive adsorptive stripping voltammetry method. Eight samples had levels below the limit of detection, but in five the levels were greatly elevated, showing concentrations above 40 ppm. The mean uranium concentration of the remainder of the specimens was of the order of 15 ppm. We have attempted to put these data into context by comparison with other studies of absorption of uranium by the oral route. PMID: 16282800 [PubMed - in process] Best regards, Tel: (H): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0) Ireland. Tel: (W): +353-(0) or (M): +353-(0) " Man who says it can't be done should not interrupt man doing it " - Chinese Proverb Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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